Genetic Algorithms

[filerook]

I was wondering if anybody else went the route of genetic algorithms; I used Python for my bot and used a genetic algorithm to breed a valid solution. I got some decent results, but kept having problems assigning appropriate goals to my ants. Was just curious if anyone else tried this solution.

[agent_smith]

I liked, and still do, the idea of using a genetic / evolutionary algorithm for this contest and so I took a look at a couple of such Python libraries. My impression was that they were way too slow to use for a bot (I guess it was a day or two before I discovered PyPy ), and I decided my time would be better spent in other ways.

[filerook]

I didn't know about PyPy, looks very interesting. I did have problems with time outs, so ended up with an algorithm which treated the game as a 60-variable equation; it allowed a decent amount of run time even with a Python's limitations. My ants always ended up eating too much though, and not attacking enough.